Help for Texas - Houston & Aldine

Buffalo State Connections

As a partner of the Houston Independent School District (HISD) and Aldine School District, providing unique opportunities for teacher candidates to teach in Texas, the School of Education is eager to identify a way for Buffalo State to support families in need. The information below is provided by our trusted colleagues at HISD and Aldine School Distric.

To date, three Buffalo State graduates have joined the HISD faculty. Bronwen Leahey and Stefani Caie graduated last spring with degrees in Exceptional Education and Brianna Ware graduated December, 2016 with a degree in Elementary Education. The new teachers began their journey to Houston by participating in a week long visit to HISD then accepted offers to remain after graduation. Two more Buffalo State teachers will visit HISD this semester.

We are proud to partner with HISD and Aldine and will work to support our Texan colleagues and families during this tragic time. Thank you for donating!

Aldine

Word from Our Partner - September 5th

We are still closed today, although principals and all district leadership are back assessing the schools and ability of our staff to return. The initial assessment is that about 25% of the buildings were damaged, but thankfully, just a handful had significant damage. Early estimates are anywhere from 10-15 staff members per building have been impacted. We have crews at all buildings, cleaning and remediating any damage. Our goal is to have all buildings back on-line and ready for business over the three day weekend.

Throughout the past week, we have been in regular contact with our partner universities who have student teachers working in Aldine. All our student teachers are safe and dry. When students return, our student teachers will experience first hand how to recover and address the needs of students after a major disaster. They will also continue their normal student teaching experience and be expected to teach lessons, just as if they were at home.

We do know, many of our returning students will be homeless, and, most likely, we will be enrolling students from across Houston who lost their homes. This will be a very challenging experience, however, our veteran teachers are prepared and ready.

The needs of our students and teachers vary greatly. Some are in need of food, some in need of cleaning supplies, others need funds for repairs or even car rentals. The Miami Dolphins just sent a semi-truck to us with lots of supplies for students, and the YMCA has been donating materials for students. For those who want, we feel monetary donations through the Aldine Education Foundation would be of the greatest help as they will use the funds to address the specific needs of students and teachers. The Foundation was started by our former superintendent and is managed by a group of our business partners, former leaders, and current leaders. It's really well managed and because it is a district foundation, we know exactly where every dollar goes.

Thanks again for thinking about Aldine and our amazing family of teachers and students.

Houston

Want to help Houston residents affected by Hurricane Harvey? Please make your donations through the HISD website. Indicate "Harvey" as the purpose for your donation.

HISD Media Advisory
National groups can donate supplies to HISD students and families

Aug. 29, 2017 – Many HISD families have been devastated by the catastrophic flooding in the Houston area caused by Hurricane Harvey, and HISD welcomes assistance from national groups or corporations that would like to help our students recover and prepare for the coming school year.

The district is accepting donations of new and unused clothing, shoes, underwear, socks, uniforms and school supplies, as well as canned food and water.

“HISD is grateful to those who have reached out to us from beyond Houston asking how to help,” said HISD Superintendent Richard Carranza. “We have had school communities as far away as New York and Missouri ask what they can do. Well, this is what we need: food, clothing, and school supplies to make sure that when our students are finally back in the classroom, they are ready to learn. Thank you all for your support of our HISD students and families.”

The HISD Foundation is also accepting donations to help families recover, and 100% of funds raised will go directly to helping HISD students and families. Click here to make a donation, and please specify "Harvey" as the purpose of your donation.